Premises Liability Case: Jury Awards $18K for Ceiling Collapse

William Pettis v. NDW, LLC and Applestein Family Partnership, LP

Case Background

William Pettis filed a premises liability lawsuit after a chunk of his apartment's ceiling fell on him. He sought compensation for his injuries allegedly caused by the negligence of the apartment owners. The case was filed in the District of Columbia, Superior Court. Judge Donald Walker Tunnage presided over this case. [Case number: 2021-CA-003870-B]

Cause

On December 12, 2018, William Pettis was inside his apartment on Oates Street Northeast. Suddenly, part of the ceiling gave way and fell on him. The building, where the incident occurred, was owned by Applestein Family Partnership and managed by NDW LLC.

Injury

After the incident, Pettis visited the emergency room for treatment. He later reported soft tissue injuries to his hand, knee, leg, upper back, and lower back. For several months, he sought relief through massages at a therapeutic spa. Eventually, Pettis testified that his injuries had fully healed.

Damages

Pettis pursued reimbursement of $12,519.76 for past medical expenses, with $11,659 attributed to treatments at the spa. Additionally, he sought compensation for past non-economic damages.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

Plaintiff(s): William Pettis
- Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Hope Umana

Defendant(s): NDW LLC | Applestein Family Partnership
- Counsel for Defendant(s): Nicholas Schaufelberger

Claims

William Pettis claimed compensation for the medical expenses incurred for the treatment of his injuries caused by the Defendant's negligence.

Defense

The defense challenged whether the massages qualified as medical treatment. They pointed out that the spa also provided facials and waxing services. They argued the treatments were not medically necessary.

Jury Verdict

On August 13, 2024, the jury decided to award Pettis $18,000 in this premises liability lawsuit.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request

Jury Awards $18k in Premises Liability Case Involving Apartment Ceiling Collapse